Armored Saint - Melkweg Amsterdam, 9 August 2024

It's Friday Night and the Saint are back! Armored Saint playing festivals on their Saints will Conquer 2024 tour also added some headlining slots. Truly headlining this time as even no support was added on this evening in Amsterdam. For us it also meant a return to Melkweg after many years. In teh eighties I attended many shows in Melkweg or Paradiso. Nowadays both program very poor and there is no need to go for Amsterdam for shows, unless you visit the Cave. Actually the Melkweg did all to under inform potential visitors. The day before only it was announced that no support band would play and what time the band would start. This was interesting as originally only a doors open time of 18:30 was posted. Hans and Mary had planned a night in Amsterdam but cancelled same. Instead we took an early train in, to have some drinks and some food before show along Amsterdam canals. The first terrace we picked almost had the band sitting next to us, but they took a turn and the terrace could not deliver. Given the huge string of shows these weeks and the fact that Alcatraz was already going on, we feared an empty Melkweg. Luckily upon arrival it was somewhat full including Ton  and further filling up decently before eight oclock. Those who were present were all very much in the mood being loud and rowdy throughout the show.

20:00 an intro tape started and the band came on. What can I say that I haven't before the past decade. Armored Saint toured pretty often and always it is a party to me. Well I can say a few things as tonight might have been the best set I've seen by them (ever?) The band in topform, the songs scream for shouting along and as always some surprises were included. This time halfway the duo Over the Edge and Head On would not have been guessed by me in advance. Another absolute highlight was when during Aftermath John Bush appeared in the crowd singing next to the guy who watched the full show from his stretcher. It does not get more emotional really. When you add the ubersongs like Can U Deliver, Win Hands Down and my favourite song Last Train Home you get the drift. This show was about being on a high for the full 90 minutes. During the show I also realized the difference for me compared with Opeth earlier this week. Where at Opeth you watch and look amazed at times, here it was all about participating, getting energy off the stage and returning same to the band. I am pretty sure that the Saint will appear high on my end of year favourite concerts list. This was so good, and as Hans always says, metal as it was meant to be from the start. Already looking forward to their next return to Holland.